NS Student Succumbs to Year-Long Battle With Cancer
Wednesday, April 6th, 2011
Monte, who came to Lang from Purdys, New York, was diagnosed with colon cancer last spring while studying abroad in Seville, Spain. After intensive surgery, first in Spain and then in New York state, she began a course of chemotherapy, during which she took a leave of absence from Lang to be with her family and friends.
Even during her treatment, her family said, Monte spread love to those around her. "Her bravery and loving sweet nature touches all who meet her," states the written post in the "My Story" section on the CaringBridge website.
"Every single nurse, doctor or other hospital employee who has met her has fallen in love with her right away."
In an email sent to Lang students on March 31, Stefania de Kenessey, interim dean of Lang, said that Monte "fought long and hard and never complained, always trying to minimize the discomfort felt by her loved ones."
The family asks that the press and others respect their time of mourning.
Anyone wishing to celebrate Monte's life, however, can visit CaringBridge, a website devoted to connecting family and friends to loved ones who are ill, where details are provided, as well as a guest book section where friends and family are encouraged to share memories about Monte.
In addition, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, people who want to show their condolences can make donations to the charitable organization "Friends of Karen," which supports critically ill children and their families.
Monte was an environmental studies major at Lang and the department will be donating a book to the New School library in her honor. Lang administration will also be organizing a candle lighting to honor Monte's memory in the near future.
"We will always remember her friendliness, outgoing personality and beautiful smile," wrote Sue Malley on March 29 on the CaringBridge site.
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